(no subject)

If I remember correctly, there was an episode of Seinfeld where Kramer attempts to do this, with (of course) disastrous results.

I think there's probably a reason that mammals have the sleeping pattern that they do, regardless of species. Throw out the clocks and nature will take over. I'm more interested in experiments where people are put underground with no way of knowing what time of day it is. Their bodies adjust dramatically, and a huge increase in sleep is one of the adjustments.Perhaps house cats are the only ones who are maintaining proper sleep schedules.

Circuitous Canadian Rhythms

I'd love to see the Seinfeldian take on this idea. I'll try to find a copy of that episode online.

I'm more interested in experiments where people are put underground with no way of knowing what time of day it is. Their bodies adjust dramatically, and a huge increase in sleep is one of the adjustments.

Yes, those are very cool. Removing variables and getting some nicely scientific results.

One of the findings from those, as I recall, was that the circadian rhythm for humans was geared toward a 26-hour cycle, and thus would tend to move forward two hours each day, which I can identify with because during one several-month period of my life, I had few time-based external responsibilities, and I let my sleep schedule do whatever I felt like, and that's exactly what happened. The 'window' of time during which I was more likely to be asleep moved forward two hours each 24-hour period, no matter when I actually did sleep. I have some pretty graphs of it somewhere in my papers.

Related to these studies, I read somewhere that in a healthy person, the Circadian rhythm is reset by morning sunlight, and that this has something to do with melatonin. I'm hoping to learn more about all of this, because my goals will soon include spending more time on a schedule of some sort (hopefully one that doesn't require too much of my attention) that has me more consistently in sync with my friends.

Perhaps house cats are the only ones who are maintaining proper sleep schedules.

(no subject)

Interesting experiment, but a definite step towards removal of one's self from societal rhythms. But then, you already know I've been dealing with that kind of thing with someone, so maybe I'm a bit biased for the time being.

I am generally in favor of societal rhythms

Yes, I'm definitely not going to try this one anytime soon. My goals will soon include spending more time on a schedule of some sort (hopefully one that doesn't require too much of my attention) that has me more consistently in sync with my friends.

Most likely, the next change I make in this area will involve an alarm clock at the same time of morning each day, because I'm looking for a 'regular' job. :) (I haven't had an alarm clock in many, many years.)

Sorry I missed your call today, but that was more about feeling ill than sleeping weird.

(no subject)

i've wanted to try this, but i notice (hard to objectively measure) changes in my mental ability when playing with these things

e.g i tried sleeping for 6 hours on a regular basis to get the extra time. i was awake, but my mental abilties changed almost like lowering metabolism. almost like a conservation of energy, with that lower state being to low for some things requireing intense focus.

i have

i do notice an 11 minute (sometimes 35-45) minute nap in the afternoon helps this.

deep-cycle marine batteries

i've wanted to try this, but i notice (hard to objectively measure) changes in my mental ability when playing with these things

Yeah, I have that problem in my life right now in a big way: too many uncontrolled variables, where controlling those variables would have too much of a negative impact on my life, so I have to use a series of multi-variable experiments, trial and error, thought experiments and other models, and highly subjective perceptions to make choices that will hopefully improve my life.

i do notice an 11 minute (sometimes 35-45) minute nap in the afternoon helps this.

The times when this has worked for me have all been when I was regularly sleep-deprived. I haven't tried napping when not tired, although I do have meditative habits (taking breaks, reading the newspaper) for maintaining creative energy levels.